I believe that creating and providing public access to culture is such an important component of the “behind the scenes” work that happens in our communities. For the past 20 years, I have remained committed to the power of arts and culture to inspire creativity and conversation, as well as commerce. I truly enjoy all aspects of cultural management and feel a great sense of satisfaction when all of the pieces of the puzzle click together: from planning to fundraising, from marketing to the opening day of the show.

As a sponsorship marketing and business development specialist, I know that the face of sponsorship, government grants, and philanthropy have and will continue to change. Unique events can attract significant funding potential given their location, historical assets and community resources. Partnerships that reflect the demographic and business diversity of their areas can create economic and community development opportunities. Arts and culture takes many forms and comes by many names. In the same way, fundraising does also: “cause” marketing, experiential marketing, corporate philanthropy, contra / in-kind / and barter deals and the integration of on- and off-line components demands a competent manager: a specialist with experience.